LCDR KING

LCDR King began his Navy career as a Radioman in 1965. A native Texan, LCDR King got his Amateur Radio License W5EAK in 1958 which led him to a lifelong love of being a radio operator. For a country boy living on the prairie in North Texas near Wichita Falls, having a radio that allowed him to talk to people in far off lands which he found amazing. These contacts painted word pictures for this 11-year-old boy about their land and cultures. He grew up so much during that time.

In 1965, about a half step ahead of the Draft Board, he joined the Navy as an enlisted man. LCDR King came from a military family. His grandfather served as a Doughboy in WWI, his father served in the Army during WWII in the 12th Armored Division, and his mother served in the Navy flying weather missions over the Pacific in WWII. With his family history and an Amateur Radio License in hand, he was immediately assigned Radioman School after Boot Camp. His knowledge of Morse Code and electronics placed him near the top of his class along with other Amateur Radio Operators. At graduation, he was asked, “since you are from Texas, I bet you know how to drive a Bass Boat?” He answered in the affirmative and was given orders to Mare Island California for Patrol Boat River School. After that, it was on to Vietnam.

He served in several areas including IV Corps doing duty checking on river traffic. He was assigned to I Corps at Hue City on the Perfume River to the Marine Corps. When the CO looked at his service record and discovered he was a Ham Radio Operator, his next question was: “Are you a MARS Operator?” He wasn’t at the time, but within a week he had his Navy/Marine Corps MARS License N0ISJ. This allowed him to make Phone Patches and send/receive MARS Grams. At once he became a very popular guy in Hue City. He had no other duty in his off time than to operate the Collins KWM II HF Radio and make Phone Patches and send/receive MARS Grams.

Things changed on January 31, 1968. Many members of his unit were taking advantage of a cease fire during the Lunar New Year. Some were at the NCO/Officers Club while others were writing letters or just sleeping. Then at 0207 their world changed forever! Suddenly, everything lit up and there were explosions everywhere. For the next 4 weeks or so they were in the fight of their lives. After it was over, they were changed forever.

After his discharge from Balboa Naval Hospital, LCDR King returned to his unit. At this time, LCDR King received his order to Officer Commissioning School.

After receiving his Commission, LCDR King received orders back to the boats. As Vietnam was winding down, he was assigned to the Commissioning Crew of the USS Parsons DDG-33, then the USS Bausell DD-845, the USS Blackfin SS-322 (for decommissioning), then the USS Abraham Lincoln SSBN-602, and finally the USS Simpson FFG-56. LCDR King retired in 2000.

Since retirement, LCDR King has continued to serve the community. He serves on the Founders Advisory Board of the Woody Williams Foundation, is an Ambassador for the Freedom Mobility Foundation, and several other organizations. In addition, he and his wife, Donna Snow King, mentor teens participating in the North Texas Rodeo Foundation.